Matthew 6:33
But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.
The world teaches us that to thrive in life and achieve great success, we must be go-getters. We need to be people who grab opportunities, to the extent that we may have to compromise on ethics. Gradually, we adjust to the demands of the world, desiring greater benefits.
Often, great success and achievements of this world are accompanied by broken marriages and loveless families. Some people gain wealth but lose empathy and emotional understanding. They can no longer feel another person’s pain or discomfort. This is the result of pursuing the world and its ways.
But in Matthew 6:33, the Bible tells us not to chase after the world and its ways, but to seek the kingdom of God. He provides all the goodness and riches we need for our lives. We don’t need to grab, sabotage others, or stay so busy that we neglect family and friends. God’s blessings flow from seeking Him — from intentionally desiring to serve His kingdom and His people.
It is essential to be a go-getter and accept good opportunities that come our way, as one must never be lazy. We must be smart, but that does not mean we have to compromise our Christian values to accommodate the slackness of the world. We are called to be seekers of the kingdom of God, and God assures us that we will never lack any good thing. In fact, excellence comes only from God.
In this time of Lent, let us seek His kingdom and His ways in every area of our lives: our roles, responsibilities, and daily choices. Never compromise on pursuing God or living by His values. As we dwell in His presence with humility and devotion, excellence and true prosperity will follow us.